Well pumping operation control system



May 28, 1963 w. R. ECHOLS WELL PUMPING OPERATION CONTROL SYSTEM 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 1 1961 lOu HQ Q

f S n Mo or INVENTOR WI LFORD RAY ECHOLS BY QM/w w 601% ATTORNEYS.

y 1963 w. R. ECHOLS 3,091,179

WELL PUMPING OPERATION CONTROL SYSTEM Filed March 15, 1961 2Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR WILFORD RAY ECHOLS ATTORNEYS.

ates

This invention relates to systems for controlling the operation of wellpumping installations, and more particularly to systems forautomatically controlling the operation of a well pump in accordancewith the availability of fluid, for example oil, in the sub-surface wellbore or cavity.

in many wells, particularly during the later stages of the exploitationof oil wells, the rate of flow of fluid from the underground strata intothe bore or cavity eventually becomes so low as not to keep the bore orcavity sufficiently filled to enable the pump to maintain a pumped fluiddelivery rate which is etficient and economical and conducive to optimumproduction from the well. When the in-flow of fluid from the well cavityfalls off to this extent, the well is said to be pumped off or pumpeddry. In the past, the extraction of fluids from wells inclined to bereadily pumped ofif has been continued by intermittent operation of thepumping installation, which may he eftected or controlled eitherautomatically or manually at intervals. -It has also previously beenproposed to stop the pumping operation automatically when the deliveryof pumped fluid ceases or diminishes significantly; and it has furtherbeen proposed to provide well pumping installations both with mechanismsfor automatically stopping the pumps in response to cessation of fluiddelivery, and mechanisms for automatically restarting the pumps atpredetermined times, irrespective of the times of stopping of the pumps.Such arrangements have the inherent disadvantage of being susceptible torestarting the pumps automatically, and it might be saidindiscriminately, without ensuring a certain period of nonoperation ofthe pumps, following the automatic stopping of the pumps, sufficient toenable the well bore or cavity to become re-filled.

An object of the present invention is to provide a well pump controlsystem including means for automatically stopping the pump motor inresponse to cessation or significant diminution of the delivery ofpumped fluid and for maintaining the pump inoperative for a rest periodof certain and predetermined extent, and for then restarting the pumpbut only after the well has beein rested for the complete, certain andprededtermined period of nonoperation of the pump, thus ensuring thatsufiicient time will elapse, following the stopping of the pump, for thewell bore or cavity to become filled, or substantially so, before thenext operation of the pump.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system of the characterstated including means for automatically effecting operation of the pumpfor a testing period of relatively short duration at the end of thepredetermined and certain rest period, for automatically again placingthe pump under the control of the fluid delivery in the event fluiddelivery is resumed and for automatically stopping the pump at the endof the short testing period in the event normal pump delivery is notresumed during the testing period.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control system of thekind stated, including means for limiting the total period of operationof the pump to a predetermined number of hours, including hours of pumpoperation during fluid delivery and any testing operation time,cumulatively and in sequence.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedarrangement for controlling the operation of the pump in dependence uponcontinued fluid delivery,

3,691,179 Patented May 28, 1963 even with the pulsating flow usuallycharacteristic of reciprocating deep well pumps.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system for performingthe various controlling functions outlined above and which may beadjusted or conditioned selectively for being adapted to operatedifferently according to different conditions and requirements, as, forexample, operating the pump under manual control, and/ or with orwithout the total period of operation control.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from a reading ofthe following description of a preferred embodiment, the appended claimsand the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a somewhat schematic elevational view of a well pumpinstallation, itself of generally conventional character;

FIGURE "2 is an electrical circuit diagram of the control system,certain control mechanism components being shown schematically;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a check valve switch, shown in elevationin FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a schematic view of a predetermined hour counter device forlimiting the total number of hours of operation of the pump, eitherwhile delivering pumped fluid or while operating during the rest period;and

FEGURE 5 is a schematic view of an oil cycle timer which controls themaintaining of the pump inoperative during a rest period and theoperation of the pump during the abbreviated test period.

General Arrangement A control system embodying the invention isillustrated as being arranged to control the operation of a deep wellpumping installation, itself of generally conventional kind, shownsomewhat schematically in FIGURE 1. A well pump, represented by aconventional sucker rod string P is operable by a prime mover or drivingmotor M which drives a crank 1 through a reduction gear mechanism RG,the crank being connected by a pitman 2 to a walking beam 3 pivoted at 4on a standard 5. The sucker rod string is connected to the walking beam,as by a flexible connecting member 6. Fluid elevated by the pump P isdelivered through a conduit 7 interposed in which is a check valve 8arranged to permit fluid to flow only in the direction of the arrow,that is away from the pump.

The motor M may be of any suitable kind, electrically powered, orotherwise powered and eelctrically controlled for being started andstopped. In the illustrative installa tion, the pump is of the deep welllift type characterized in operation by delivering a pulsating flow ofpumped fluid. In one of its aspects, the invention is particularlyadapted for use in connection with pumping installations of this type inwhich the fluid is delivered in a series of flow pulses. However,control systems embodying the invention may be used for controllingpumps of the substantially constant delivery type as well as pumpsdelivering intermittently, that is with a somewhat pulsating flow.

In the normal operation and controlling of a well installation inaccordance with the invention, the pump may be continued in operationindefinitely in response to predetermined flow of pumped fluid throughthe delivery conduit 7, provided the run-in of fluid into the cavity atthe bottom of the well continues to be high enough to maintain asubstantially undiminished supply of fluid to be pumped, so that therate of delivery by the pump will be maintained at a substantiallypredetermined average flow, with either substantially continuous orpulsating fiow. However, the invention contemplates automaticallylimiting the overall operating time of the pump to a predetermined totalnumber of hours under the control of a predetermined hour countergenerally designated HQ in FIGURES 2 and 4.

In the event the run-in of fluid into the well cavity does not keep upwith the pumping of fluid from the cavity with resulting diminution ofthe rate of fluid delivery by the pump, the control system, operatingthrough the check valve 8 and a control relay, generally designated CRin FIGURE 2, responds to stop the pump driving motor M and to maintainthe motor inoperative for a predetermined rest period, for exampleapproximately four hours. The extent of the rest period ispredeterminable by an off cycle timer generally designated OCT in FIG-URES 2 and 5. When the rest period for which the OE cycle timer has beenset has expired, the off cycle timer automatically re-starts the motor Mand causes it to operate for a test period, of say five minutes, and inany case less than the period of operation of the off cycle timer. Ifthe well cavity has been sufliciently refilled with fluid during thefour hour rest period, the test period operation of the motor under thecontrol of the off cycle timer will cause the pump again to deliverfluid through the check valve 8, so that controlling of the motor andcontinued operation thereof will be resumed under the control of thecheck valve 8 and the control relay CR. However, if the well cavity hasnot been refilled during the rest period with the result that fluid willnot be discharged by the pump while operating during the five minutetest period under the control of the ofl cycle timer, the latter willstop the pump motor M automatically shortly after the end of the testperiod. In that case, the otf cycle timer will continue to operatethroughout a further rest period of approximately four hours, at the endof which a further testing under the control of the off cycle timer OCTwill be effected. The rest period of approximately four hours and thetesting period of five minutes would be suited for many operatingsituations, but where conditions vary, as for example as to the size anddepth of the well and the relative degree of exhaustion of fluid in theunderground strata, it may be desirable to change the extents of therest period and testing interval. It is, however, very impotrant thatthe pump should not be started by a timing or any other mechanism untilafter the lapsing of a predetermined period of time following thestopping of the pump in response to cessation or significant diminutionof the rate of fluid delivery by the pump.

Main Pump Power and Control Circuits Several of the broader aspects ofthe invention, the timing of some of the operational phases and thegenoral inter-relationship of some of the control system componentshaving been outlined, the representative embodimerit of the inventionwill be described in greater detail. The pump motor M is powered bythree wire 230 volt A.C. power source comprising conductors 9, 10 and11. The conductor 11 is directly connected to one of the three motorterminals, and the conductors 9 and 10 are connected to the other twomotorterminals respectively through relays 12 and 13 and otherconductors 9a and 10a. In FIGURE 2, three relays 12 and '13 are shown asbeing separate with their coils connected in series for the purpose ofdiagrammatic illustration, but in practice it may be preferred to use asingle double pole single throw relay having a single energizing coil.In any event, the relay switch arms or poles 12 and 13 are biased toopen position and are closed simultaneously. For convenience indescription, the motor control relay will here inafter be referred togenerally as the relay 14 having an energizing coil or winding 14a.

A control circuit for energizing the relay coil 14:: includes a manuallyoperable double pole single throw master switch 16, a predetermined hourcounter switch generally designated .17, forming part of the hourcounter HC, a manually operable double pole double throw selector switch18 settable at the left in FIGURE 2 for effecting constant running ofthe motor M without being controlled by the control system and beingsettable at the right as shown in FIGURE 2 for conditioning the systemfor automatic control, a manually operable starting switch '19, and, ofcourse, appropriateconductors or wiring to be described and tracedhereinafter. In the most usual types of operation, the selector 7 switchis closed to the right, as in FIGURE 2. so as to condition the systemfor automatic operation, and the starter switch 19 is temporarilyclosed. Closing of the starting switch 19 will complete a circuitthrough the relay coil 14a. This circuit, beginning with the powersource conductor 10, includes a conductor 20, the upper pole of theclosed master switch '16, a fuse 21, a condnctor 22, the hour counterswitch 17, a conductor 23, the lower pole of the selector switch -18, aconductor 24-, a conductor 25, a conductor 26, the temporarily closedstarting switch 19*, a conductor 27, a conductor 28, the upper pole ofthe selector switch 18, a condoctor 29, the relay coil winding 14aitself, a conductor 30, a conductor 31, the lower pole of the closedmaster switch 16, and a conductor 32 leading to the power conductor 11.Energizing of the relay coil 14a and closing of the relay 14 will startthe pump motor M. The motor M will then operate under the control of theswitch 19 which is held closed only long enough for the pump to begin todeliver fluid through the conduit 7 and check valve 8 at a normal orpredetermined rate, or average rate in the case of a pulsating delivery.As soon 'as'such' a normal or average rate of delivery has beenestablished, the relay coil 14a will be energized by an automaticcontrol circuit including a check valve switch CVS and the control relayCR so that the starter switch 19 may be opened and the pump continued inoperation by the automatic control system as long as the predetermineddelivery of fluid is maintained.

The check valve switch CVS may be of any suitable form adapted to beclosed in response to opening of the check valve. In the form shown, thecheck valve 8 includes a flapper element 33 fixed on a shaft 34pivotally mounted in a valve housing 35 and projecting outwardly througha high pressure packing gland 36 and thence into an explosion proofswitch housing 37. Mounted on the shaft 34 within the housing 37 are abiasing weight 38 and a mercury switch 39. The arrangement is such thatthe weight 38 and the mass of the flapper element 33 tend to 'hold theflapper in closed position with the switch 39 correspondingly positionedto be in open or circuit breaking condition. A predetermined delivery offluid through the check valve will swing the flapper 33 clockwise and sotip the switch 39 to aclosed or circuit making position.

Closing of the check valve switch in this manner will complete a circuitfor actuating the control relay CR in a manner to close a circuitthrough the motor relay winding 14a. In the illustrative embodiment, thecontrol relay CR comprises an armature and contact arm element 40pivoted or otherwise tiltably supportedtat 41 and having two contacts 42and 43 respectively on its left and right sides as shown in FIGURE 2.The arm 40 is biased toward the right, as viewed in FIGURE '2, by aspring '44, tending to bring the arm contact 43 into engagement with afixed contact 45. A coil 46 is adapted, when energized, to pull the arm40 to the left against the bias of the spring 44 for bringing the armcontact '42 into engagement with a fixed contact 47.

7 When the check valve switch CVS is closed, a circuit is completedthrough the control relay coil 46. .Beginning with the power supplyconductor 10, this circuit includes the conductor '20, the upper pole ofthe master switch 16, the fuse 21, the conductor 22, the hour counterswitch 17, the conductor 23, the lower pole of the selector switch 13,the conductor 24, a conductor 48, the mercury switch 39, a conductor 49,a conductor 50, in-

cluding resistors 51, 51 and a rectifier 52, the relay coil 46 itself, aconductor 53, the conductors 31 and 32, the lower pole of the masterswitch 16, and the supply line conductor 11.

When the mercury switch 39 is closed and the relay coil 46 is thereforeenergized, the contacts 4-2 and 47 will be held closed upon one anotherand this will maintain the motor relay coil 14a energized through acircuit to be described later; and it is, of course, necessary for themotor control relay .14 to be held steadily closed during normaloperation. Since the check valve flapper 33 will oscillate when thepumped fluid is delivered in a pulsating stream, the mercury switch 39will be alternately opened and closed, even during normal pumpingoperations. In order to hold the control relay in its FIGURE 2 position,that is, so as not to permit the spring 44 to move the arm 40 to theright when the mercury switch 39 is momentarily opened, means areprovided for maintaining the control relay coil 46 energized when theswitch 39 is open during the brief intervals between successive fluiddelivery pulses. As shown in FIGURE 2, electrical capacitor means 54 areconnected in shunt across the relay coil .6, more specifically betweenthe conductors 50 and 53, the connection of the capacitor means to theconductor 54 being between the rectifier 52 and the relay coil 46. Thearrangement is such that during each period of operation when themercury switch 39 is closed for energizing the coil 46, the capacitormeans 54 will be charged by direct current applied thereto through therectifier 52. During each recurrent opening of the mercury switch 39,the capacitor means 54 will discharge through the relay coil 46 tomaintain the latter energized until the next closing of the switch 39.The interval during which the discharging of the capacitor means 54 willmaintain the relay coil 46 energized depends of course upon the capacityof the means 54-. This may readily be determined and fixed by the use ofa plurality of capacitors each having sufiicient capacity to deliverenough charge to the relay coil 46 to maintain the latter energized fora period of say ten seconds. By employing additional capacitor units,for example three as shown, the system is adapted for maintaining therelay coil 46 efiectively energized for periods determined by the pumpoperating speed and hence the frequency of delivery pulses. Normally,three capacitors together having the capacity to maintain the relay coil46 effectively energized for thirty seconds will be suificient, and inmany cases a lesser total capacity may be sufiicient. The etfectivecapacity may also be determined by employing a single and adjustablecapacitor unit.

With the control relay contacts 42 and 47 being held closed upon oneanother during normal pump operation, the motor relay coil 14a will bemaintained energized automatically after opening of the starter switch19. The circuit for maintaining the coil 14:; energized, beginning withthe line conductor 10, includes the conductor 20, the upper pole of themaster switch 16, the fuse 21 and conductor 22, the hour counter switch17 and conductor 23, the lower pole of the selector switch 18, theconductors 24- and 48, the relay arm 49 and contacts 42 and 47, theconductor 28, the upper pole of the selector switch 18, the conductor29, the coil 14a itself, conductors 39, 31 and 32 and the lower pole ofthe master switch 16, the conductor 32 leading to the line conductor 11.

As long as the pump continues to deliver fluid at a predetermined rate,the control relay will be maintained in the position with its contacts42 and 47 closed upon each other, the motor control relay coil 14a willbe maintained energized and the motor M will continue to run. If thedelivery of fluid should fall below the predetermined rate, either dueto stopping of the motor for some unforeseen reason or exhaustion offluid in the well cavity, the mercury switch 39 will remain open for solong that the discharging of the capacitors 5 1-, which is of shortduration,

will be unable to maintain the relay coil 46 energized. When the coil 46has been tie-energized, the biasing spring 4-4 will pull the relay arm4i to the right so as to separate the contacts 42 and 47 and to closethe contact 43 upon the contact 45. Separation or opening of thecontacts 42 and 4'7 will dc-energize the motor relay coil 14a, thusstopping the motor M.

Of} Cycle Timer As previously stated, when delivery of pumped fluid at apredetermined average rate ceases, as for example in the event the wellis pumped oif, the control relay coil 46 is de-energized and the relayarm 40 is pulled to the right by the spring 44 so as to open thecontacts 42 and 47 and thus de-energize the motor relay coil 14a andstop the pump motor. This operation, including the movement of the relayarm 40 to the right with resultant engagement of the contacts 43 and 45,will bring about a rest period which has been assumed to beapproximately four hours, determined by operation of the olf cycle timerOCT. The oii cycle timer is shown schematically in FIGURES 2 and 5 asincluding a normally inoperative substantially constant speed motor,which may be a synchronous electrical motor transmitting drive through areduction gear 56 to a shaft 57 on which are mounted a timer motorcontrol cam disk 58 and a test period operation control cam disk 59. Thetimer motor control cam disk 58 is formed with a lobe fill which extendsa peripheral distance equivalent to seven minutes of the four hoursrequired for the disk to make one complete revolution, the remainder ofthe disk periphery being equivalent to three hours and fiftytnreeminutes. The test operation control cam disk 59 is formed with a lobe 61which is of a peripheral extent equivalent to five minutes of the fourhour period reuired for a complete revolution of the cam disk 59, theremainder of the periphery being equivalent to three hours andfifty-five minutes. The cam lobes 66 and 61 are located with theircentral portions in registry, so that the leading end of the lobe 69 inthe direction of rotation indicated by the arrow is one minute inadvance of the leading end of the lobe 61, and the trailing end of thelobe ea trails the trailing end of the lobe 61 by one minute.

FIGURE 5 illustrates the relative positions of the parts just afternormal pumping delivery has stopped and the arm 40 of the control relayCR has been pulled to the right and the contact 43 has engaged thecontact 45. At this instant, the timer motor cam lobe is disposed justbeyond a cam follower 62 on a movable switch arm 63 provided with acontact 64 adjacent to but disengaged from a relatively fixed contactas. The contacts 64, 6S constitute a timer motor switch, closing ofwhich will start the timer motor 55 for initiating a rest period ofdefinite extent followed by a test period under the control of the camdisk 59 as will be described hereinafter.

Closing of the control relay contacts 43 and 45 incident to stopping ofthe pump motor will complete a circuit to the timer motor 55 resultingin driving the cam disks 58 and 59. Since the cam lobe ll will be movedaway from the follower 62 for a period of three hours and fifty-threeminutes, the synchronous motor 55 must be energized through a circuitindependent of the timer motor switch 64, 65. This circuit includes,beginning with the line conductor lit the conductor 2%, the upper poleof the master switch 16, the fuse 21, the conductor 22, the hour counterswitch 17, the conductor 23, the lower pole of the selector switch 18,the conductors 2.4 and 48, the relay arm 4%, the closed contacts 43 and45, a conductor 66, a conductor 67, the timer motor 55, a conductor 68,the conductors 31 and 32, the lower pole of the master switch 16, andthe line conductor 11.

Operation of the timer motor 55 through the circuit just traced willeventually bring the cam lobe 60 into engagement with the cam folower 62for closing the timer motor switch 64, 65 so as to complete anindependent circuit through the timer motor 55 and ensure that thelatter will continue to run until the cam disks 58 and 59 have made acomplete rotation and have been returned to the starting positions shownin FIGURE 5. This independent circuit, closed by the switch 64, 65,includes the line conductor 10, the conductor 29, the upper pole of themaster switch 16, the fuse 21'and conductor 22, the closed hour counterswitch 17, the conductor 23 and lower pole of the selector switch 18,therconductors 24 and 25, a conductor 69, the closed switch contacts 64and 65, the con ductors 66 and 67, the timer motor 55, the conductors68, 31 and 32, the lower pole of the master switch 1'6, and the lineconductor 11. Thus, with the timer motor control switch 64, 65 closed,the motor 55 and earns 58 and 59 are certain to be driven through thelast seven minutes of the oil? cycle timer cycle to their startingpositions, even though the control relay contacts 43 and 45 may beopened during this last seven minutes due to resumption of pumped fluiddelivery in the test period next to be described.

A testing switch means is operable for effecting operation of thedriving motor M, irrespective of operation or non-operation of thecut-ofi relay CR, but only after the all cycle timing motor 55 has beenoperating for a substantial part of and less than its predeterminedoperating time. Beginning one minute after the timer motor switch 64, 65is first closed by the cam lobe 60, the testing cam lobe 61 will engagea cam follower 70 so as to move a contact 71 into engagement with arelatively fixed contact 72 for closing a circuit through the motorcontrol relay coil 14a and thereby operating the pump motor M throughoutthe test period, Whether the test operation produces fluid delivery ornot. This test operation circuit for energizing the'motor control relaycoil 14a includes the line conductor 10, the conductor 24) and upperpole of the master switch 16, the'fuse 21 and conductor 22, the closedhour counter switch 17, the conductor 23 and lower pole of the selectorswitch 18, the conductors 24, 25 and 69, the switch contacts 71 and 72,a conductor 73, the conductor 28, the upper pole of the selector switch18, the conductor 29, the motor control relay coil 14a, the conductors30, 31 and 32, the lower pole of the switch 16, and the line conductor11.

With therelay coil 14a energized, the motor and pump will operate forfive minutes under control of the off cycle timer test operation switch71, 72, irrespective of whether or not pumped fluid delivery is resumedduring the testing period. If pumped fluid delivery has not been resumedat the end of the test period, opening of the switch contacts 71, 72incident to travel of the cam lobe 61 beyond the follower 70 willde-energize the motor control relay coil 14a in the testing operationcircuit, and stop the motor and pump. If, however, pumped fluid deliveryis resumed during the testing period, the check valve switch 39 will beclosed in the manner previously described, and the control relay coil 46will thus be energized so as to attract the relay arm 40 toward the leftand close the contacts 42 and 47, thereby re-establishing the maincontrol circuit previously traced for energizing the motor control relaycoil 14a. In that event, the relay coil 14:: will be energized by twoclosed circuits, one controlled by the engaged control relay contacts 42and 47, and the other controlled by the test switch contacts 71 and 72.When the test switch contacts 71 and 72 are opened at the end of thepredetermined five minutes test interval, the motor control, relay coil14a will remain energized under the control of the control relaycontacts 42 and 47. If, however, fluid pumping has not been resumed bythe end of the testing period, the control relay contacts 42 and 47 willnot be engaged, and the opening of the test switch contacts 71 and 72before stopping of the timing motor 55, restoring the test switch to itsnon-operated condition, Will de-energize the motor relay coil 14aand-stopthe motor. In either case, the testing operation effecting meanswill be disabled and the off cycle timer motor 55 will be continued inoperation for one minute following the opening of the test switchcontacts 71 and 72 so that the OE cycle timer mechanism will be returnedto its starting position.

If the pumping of fluid has not been resumed at the end of the testingperiod, the spring 44 will hold the contacts 43 of the control relay CRclosed upon the con tact 45, so as to maintain the circuit through thetimer motor 55 closed, and initiate a further rest period at the end ofwhich there will be a further test period.

The timing eflected by the oil? cycle timer may be varied, for exampleby using interchangeable cam disks 58 and 59 and having different camlobe extents and/ or by varying the speed of rotation of the cam disks.

Total Operational Period Control The selector switch 18 is optionallysettable for imposing the control of the predetermined hour counter HCon the system, as when the switch 18 is at the right as shown in FIGURE'2. With the switch 18 in this position, the hour counter HC restrictsthe operation of the pump to a predetermined total time, including thetime of operation during normal pumped fluid delivery with the controlrelay CR closed, and including also periods of testing operation whenthe control relay CR is opened and the pump is operating through thetesting circuit which includes the switch contacts 71 and 72. A simpleform of hour counter mechanism operable. in this way is shownschematically in FIGURES 2 and 4 as including a synchronous motor 74transmitting drive through a reduction gear 75 to a shaft 76 equippedwith a worm 77 in mesh with a toothed gear or disk 78. The disk 78 isequipped with a pointer and contact arm 79 which may be set in adjustedposition relatively to the disk 78, for example by virtue of africtional mounting of the arm 79 on the disk 78. The arm 79 may be setin any desired position on an arcuate contact strip 80, the position ofthe arm being readily determined by reference to an hour scale 81. Inoperation, the disk 78 and arm- 79 are driven counterclockwise from aselected Starting position until the arm 79 moves off of the contactstrip 80 to the zero indication. The hour counter switch previouslyreferred to generally as the switch .17 is constituted by the arm 79 andthe strip 80. Since the hour counter switch 17 is included in each ofthe several control circui-tsipreviously described, opening of theswitch 17 will disable the system and stop operation of the pump motor Mirrespective of the delivery of fluid from the Well and irrespective ofthe off cycle timer control which, of course, is disabled by opening ofthe switch 17.

Operation of the hour counter switch 17 is dependent upon rotation ofthe disk 78 and arm 79 by the synchronous motor 74. The circuit foroperating the hour counter motor 74 during pumped fluid deliveryincludes the line conductor 16, the conductor 20, the top pole of themaster switch 16, the fuse 21 and conductor 22, the hour counter switch17, the conductor 23 and lower pole of the selector switch 18, theconductors '24 and 48, the relay arm 40, the contacts 42 and 47 andconductor 28, the top pole of the selector switch 18, the conductor 29,a conductor 82, the top pole of a double pole double throw switch 83which is closed at the left as shown in FIGURE 2, a conductor 84, thehour counter motor 74, a conductor 8-5, the conductors 68, 31 and 32,the switch 16, and the line conductor 11. This circuit maintains thehour counter motor 74 in operation when the pump is delivering fluid andthe control relay contacts 42 and 47 are engaged.

nevertheless be operated through an independent circuit during all testperiods effected by closing of the test switches 71, 72 whether pumpingof fluid is resumed during the test period or not. This independentcircuit includes the line conductor 10, the conductor 20, the top poleof the master switch 16, the fuse 21 and conductor 22, the hour controlswitch 17 and conductor 23, the lower pole of the selector switch 18,conductors 24, 25 and 69, the closed test switch contacts 71 and 72, theconductors 73 and 28, the top pole of the selector switch 18, conductors29 and 82, the top pole of the switch 83, the conductor 84, the hourcounter motor 74 itself, conductors S5, 68, 31 and 32, the lower pole ofthe master switch 16, and line conductor 11.

Since the hour counter motor 74 will operate whenever the pump motor isrunning, either during normal delivery of pumped fluid or during testingoperations, the hour counter HC will limit the total accumulative timeof operation of the motor M to the total of any separate periods ofoperation, either under pumped fluid delivery control or 011 cycle timercontrol.

If desired, the hour counter HC control may be disabled so that the pumpwill operate indefinitely as long as it delivers fluid. In order tocondition the system for this optional operation, the double pole doublethrow switch 83 is closed upon its contacts at the right in FIG- URE 2so as to shunt the hour counter switch 17. The shunt circuit will beprovided by a conductor 86 leading from the conductor 22 through thelower pole of the switch 83 to a conductor 87 connected to the conductor23.

Optional Manual Control Completely manually controlled operation may beobtained by setting the switch 83 to the right, and setting the selectorswitch 18 to the left. With the switches 18 and 83 so positioned, therelay coil 14a will be energized by a circuit including the lineconductor 10, the conductor 20, the top pole of the master switch 16,the fuse 21 and conductors 22 and 86, the lower pole of the switch 83,the conductors 87 and 23, the lower pole of the selector switch 18, aconductor 83, the conductor 29 and relay coil 14a, the conductors 3t 31and '32, the lower pole of the master switch 16, and the line conductor11.

'A further alternative operation for which the system may be readilyconditioned is that of running the pump motor M for a predeterminednumber of hours without being subject to the control by pumped fluiddelivery or the off cycle timer. For etfecting such an operation, theswitch 83 is set to the left as shown in FIGURE 2, and the switch 18 isalso set to the left, oppositely from the position shown in FIGURE 2.The hour timer switch 17 will be set according to the time of operationrequired. With' the switches 17, 18 and 83 so positioned, a circuit forenergizing the pump relay coil 14a will include the line conductor 10,the conductor 20, the top pole of the master switch 16, the fuse 21 andconductor 22, the hour control switch 17, the conductor 23, the lowerpole of the selector switch 18, conductors 88 and 29, the pump relaycoil 14aitself, the conductors 30, 31 and 32, the lower pole of themaster switch 16, and the conductor 11.

The circuit just traced will maintain the pump in operation until thehour counter switch 17 is opened. In order that the switch 17 may beopened at the conclusion of a desired fixed period of pump operation,the hour counter motor 74 must operate. The circuit for operating themotor 74 throughout the fixed period of pump operation includes the lineconductor 19, the conductor 26, the top pole of the master switch 16,the fuse 21 and conductor 22, the hour counter switch 17, the conductor23, the lower pole of the selector switch 18 which is positioned at theleft, conductors 88, 29 and 82, the top pole of the switch 83, theconductor 84, the timer motor 74 itself, conductors 85, 68, 31 and 32,the lower pole of the master switch 16, and the line conductor 11. Whenthis circuit is broken by opening of the hour counter switch 17, thetimer motor 74 will stop as will the pump motor M.

The operating conditions current in the several circuits are indicated,for example, by pilot lights 89 lighted when the pump control relay 14ais closed, 90' when the control relay coil 46 is energized through thecheck valve switch 39, and 91 when the OE cycle timer motor is inoperation.

Summary of Operation The several modes of operation to which a systemembodying the invention may be adapted have been explained in theforegoing description of the system. A rsum of the several modes ofoperation may, however, be of assistance.

Under normal operating conditions, that is when the pump is deliveringfluid at a predetermined average rate, the master switch 16 is closed,the switch 83 is closed to the left, the selector switch 18 is closed tothe right, and the hour counter arm 79 is closed on the contact strip 80at a point dependent upon the required number of total hours ofoperation of the pump. Starting of the pump will be effected by closingthe starter switch 19, which will energize the pump relay coil 14athrough a circuit independent of the control relay CR and the 011 cycletimer. As soon as the pump starts to deliver fluid, the control relaycontacts 42 and 47 will be engaged so as to maintain the pump controlrelay 14a energized through a circuit independent of the starting switch19, which may be opened as soon as fluid delivery begins.

If fluid delivery ceases or falls below a predetermined rate, cut-offmeans including the control relay contacts 42 and 47 will be operated,thereby de-energizing the pump control relay coil 14a and stopping thepump. Coincidentally with the stopping of the pump, the off cycle timermotor will begin to run in response to closing of the control relaycontacts 43 and 45. At the end of a rest period, the oflE cycle timerwill automatically energize the motor control relay coil 14a for apredetermined interval to re-start the motor M and etfect a testoperation of the pump. If, during the rest period, suflicient fluid hasseeped through the well cavity to enable the pump to deliver during thetest period, the control relay CR will again be operated to maintain thepump in operation as long as fluid is delivered. If, however, pumping isnot resumed during the test period, the off cycle timer will de-energizethe pump relay coil 14a at the end of the test period and a further restperiod will ensue.

When the system is conditioned for normal operation as explainedimmediately above, the hour counter HC will limit the total accumulatedperiods of operation of the pump to a pre-selected number of hours. Ifit is desired to eliminate the predetermined total hour control, theswitch 83 is set to the right so as to shunt the hour control switch 17.

For operating the pump under completely manual control, the switch 83 isset to the right and the selector switch 18 is set to the left, causingthe mot-or control relay coil 14a to be energized independently ofWhether or not fluid is being pumped.

For effecting manual controlling, modified by being limited to apredetermined number of hours of operation, the switch 83 is set to theleft, the hour control switch '17 is set for the desired period ofoperation, and the selector switch 18 is set to the left, that isoppositely to its FIGURE 2 position.

The system described and shown in the drawings is preferred, but it isintended that the disclosure be illustrative rather than definitive, theinvention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. A system for controlling the operation of a well ation; cut-oft meansincluding an element movably mounted in said fluid delivery conduit incontact with fluid flowing therethrough and being immediately movable inresponse to discontinuance of said predetermined flow, and a cut-oft"device positively mechanically connected to said element and beingmovable simultaneously therewith immediately in response todiscontinuance of said predetermined flow for overriding said normaloperation eflecting means and stopping said motor immed ately; and meansconnected to said motor for 'automatte cal-1y re-starting said motor atthe end of a definite predetermined period of time following stopping ofsaid motor by said cut-ofl means.

2. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installationincluding a pump, a motor for operating said pump and a pumped fluiddelivery conduit, said system comprising normal operation eflectmg meansoperatively connected to said motor and being responsive topredetermined flow of pumped fluid through said delivery conduit formaintaining said motor in operation; cut-off means including an elementmovably mounted in said fluid delivery conduit in contact with fluidflowing therethrough and being immediately movable in response todiscontinuance of said predetermined flow, and a cutoff devicepositively mechanically connected to said element and being movablesimultaneously therewith immediately in responseto discontinuance ofsaid predetermined flow for overriding said normal operation effectingmeans and stopping said motor immediately; and testing means operativelyconnected to said motor for automatically restarting said motor at theend of a definite predetermined period of time following stopping ofsaid motor by said cut-E means and for maintaining said motor operatingunder control of said testing means for only a predetermined interval atthe end of which said motor will be stopped it the predetermined flow ofpumped fluid has not been resumed.

3. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installationincluding a pump, a motor for operating said pump and a pumped fluiddelivery conduit, said system comprising normal operation effectingmeans 7 operatively connected to said motor and being responsive topredetermined flow of pumped fluid through said delivery conduit formaintaining said motor in operation; cut-ofi means operatively connectedto said motor and being immediately responsive to discontinuance of saidpredetermined flow for overriding said normal operation eflecting meansand stopping said motor immediately; means operatively connected to saidmotor for automatically re-starting said motor at the end of a definitepredetermined period of time following stopping of said motor by saidcut-off means; and means operatively connected to said motor and beingoperable for overriding said normal operation effecting means forlimiting the total period of operation of said motor to a preselectedaggregate time period.

4. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installationincluding a pump, a motor for operating said pump and a pumped fluiddelivery conduit,

said system comprising normal operation effecting means operativelyconnected to said motor and being responsive to predetermined flow ofpumped fluid through said delivery conduit for maintaining said motor inoperation; cut-off means operatively connected to said motor and beingimmediately responsive to discontinuance of said predetermined flow foroverriding said normal operation effecting means and stopping saidmotorimmediately; testing means operatively connected to said motor forautomatically re-starting said motor at the end of a definitepredetermined period of time following stopping of said motor by saidcut-off means and for maintaining said motor operating under control ofsaid testing means for only a predetermined interval at the end of whichsaid motor will be stopped if the predetermined flow of pumped fluid hasnot been resumed; and means operatively connected to said driving motorand being operable for overriding said normal operation efiecting meansand said testing means for limiting the total period of operation ofbeing responsive to predetermined flow of pumped fluid through saiddelivery conduit for maintaining said driving motor in operation;cut-off means including an element movably mounted in said fluiddelivery conduit in contact with fluid flowing therethrough and beingimmediately movable in response to discontinuance of said predeterminedflow, and a cut-01f device positively mechanically connected to saidelement and being movable simultaneously therewith immediately inresponse to discontinuance of said predetermined flow for overridingsaid normal operation effecting means and stopping said driving motorimmediately; and an off cycle timer operatively connected to saiddriving motor for automatically restarting said driving motor at the endof a definite predetermined period of time following stopping of saiddriving motor by said cut-ofl means and for maintaining said drivingmotor operating for only a predetermined interval at the end of whichsaid driving motor will be stopped if the predetermined flow of pumpedfluid has not been resumed, said olf cycle timer comprising a normallyinoperative timing motor, ofi? cycle timer starting means operativelyconnected to and being operable in response to operation of said cut-oflmeans for rendering said timing motor operative, testing operationeffecting means operatively connected to said driving motor and saidtiming motor and being operable in time with said timing motor foreifecting operation of said driving motor, and means operativelyconnected to and being operable by said timing motor after apredetermined interval of operation thereof for disabling said testingoperation elfecting means.

6. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installationincluding a pump, a driving motor for operating said pump and a pumpedfluid delivery conduit, said system comprising normal operationeffecting means operatively connected to said driving motor and beingresponsive to predetermined flow of pumped fluid through said deliveryconduit for maintaining said driving motor in operation; cut-01f meansincluding an element movably mounted in said fluid delivery conduit incontact with fluid flowing therethrough and being immediately movable inresponse to discontinuance of said predetermined flow, and a cut-otfdevice positively mechanically connected to said element and beingmovable simultaneously therewith immediately in response todiscontinuance of said predetermined flow foroverriding'said normaloperation effecting means and stopping said driving motor immediately;and an off cycle timer operatively connected to said driving motor forautomatically restarting said driving motor at the end of a definitepredetermined period of time following stopping of said driving motor bysaid cut-olf means and for maintaining said driving motor operating foronly a predetermined interval at the end of which said driving motorwilltbe stopped it the predetermined flow of pumped fluid has not beenresumed, said oflf cycle timer comprising a norfinally inoperativetiming motor, oif cycle timer starting means operatively connected toand being operable in response to operation of said cut-otf means forrendering said timing motor operative, electrical switch meansoperatively connected to said driving motor and said timing motor andbeing operated in time with said timing motor for efiecting operation ofsaid driving motor, and means operatively connected to and beingoperable by said timing motor after a predetermined interval ofoperation thereof for restoring said switch means to its non-operatedcondition for discontinuing the operation of said driving motor underthe control of said electrical switch means.

7. A system for controlling the operation of a Well pumping installationincluding a pump, a driving motor for operating said pump and a pumpedfluid delivery conduit, said system comprising normal operationeffecting means operatively connected to said driving motor and beingresponsive to predetermined flow of pump fluid through said deliveryconduit for maintaining said driving motor in operation; cut-off meansoperatively connected to said driving motor and being immediatelyresponsive to discontinuance of said predtermined flow for overridingsaid normal operation effecting means and stopping said driving motorimmediately; and an oflf cycle timer operatively connected to saiddriving motor for automatically re-starting said driving motor at theend of a definite predetermined period of time following stopping ofsaid driving motor by said cut-oft means and for maintaining saiddriving motor operating for only a predetermined interval at the end ofwhich said driving motor will be stopped if the predetermined flow ofpumped fluid has not been resumed, said all cycle timer comprising anormally inoperative electrical timing motor, a first switch meansoperatively connected to said said cut-oft means and said timing motorand being operable in response to operation of said cut-off means forstarting said timing motor, a second switch means operatively connectedto said timing motor and being operable by said timing motor formaintaining said timing motor in operation for a predetermined time, andthird electrical switch means operatively connected to said timing motorand said driving motor and being operable by said timing motor foreflecting operation of said driving motor during operation of saidtiming motor and for a period less than said predetermined time ofoperation of said timing motor.

8. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installationincluding a pump, a driving motor for operating said pump and a pumpedfluid delivery conduit, said system comprising normal operationeffecting means operatively connected to said driving motor and beingresponsive to predetermined flow of pumped fluid through said deliveryconduit for maintaining said driving motor in operation; cut-off meansoperatively connected to said driving motor and being immediatelyresponsive to discontinuance of said predetermined flow for overridingsaid normal operation effecting means and stopping said driving motorimmediately; and an oil cycle timer operatively connected to saiddriving motor for automatically re-starting said driving motor at theend of a definite predetermined period of time following stopping ofsaid driving motor by said cut-ofl means and for maintaining saiddriving motor operating for only a predetermined interval at the end ofwhich said driving motor will be stopped if the predetermined flow ofpumped fluid had not been resumed, said ofi cycle timer comprising anormally inoperative electrical timing motor, a first switch meansoperatively connected to said cut-off means and said timing motor andbeing operable in response to operation of said cut-off means forstarting said timing motor, a second switch means operatively connectedto said timing motor and being operable by said timing motor formaintaining said timing motor in operation for a predetermined time, andthird electrical switch means operatively connected to said timing motorand said driving motor and being operable by said timing motor onlyafter said timing motor has been operating for a substantial part of andless than its said predetermined operating time for effecting operationof said driving motor irrespective of the operation of said cut-oilmeans.

9. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installationincluding a pump, a driving motor for operating said pump and a pumpedfluid delivery conduit, said system comprising normal operationeflecting means operatively connected to said driving motor and beingresponsive to predetermined flow of pumped fluid through said deliveryconduit for maintaining said driving motor in operation; cut-oif meansoperatively connected to said driving motor and being immediatelyresponsive to discontinuance of said predetermined flow for overridingsaid normal operation eflecting means and stopping said driving motorimmediately; and an off cycle timer operatively connected to saiddriving motor for automatically re-starting said driving motor at theend of a definite predetermined period of time following stopping ofsaid driving motor by said cut-off means and for maintaining saiddriving motor operating for only a predetermined interval at the end ofwhich said driving motor will be stopped if the predetermined flow ofpumped fluid has not been resumed, said ofi cycle timer comprising anormally inoperative electrical timing motor, a first switch meansoperatively connected to said cut-ofli means and said timing motor andbeing operable in response to operation of said cut-ofi' means forstarting said timing motor, a second switch means operatively connectedto said timing motor and being operable by said timing motor formaintaining said timing motor in operation for a predetermined time,third electrical switch means operatively connected to said timing motorand said driving motor and being operable by said timing motor after thelatter has been operating for the greater part of and less than its saidpredetermined operating time for re-starting said driving motorirrespective of the operation of said cut-ofi means, and meansoperatively connected to said timing motor and said third electricalswitch means and being operable by said timing motor before stoppingthereof for restoring said third electrical switch means to itsnonoperated condition.

10. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumpinginstallation including a pump, a driving motor for operating said pumpand a pumped fluid delivery con duit, said system comprising normaloperation effecting means operatively connected to said driving motorand being responsive to predetermined flow of pumped fluid through saiddelivery conduit for maintaining said driving motor in operation;cut-off means operatively connected to said driving motor and beingimmediately responsive to discontinuance of said predetermined flow foroverriding said normal operation effecting means and stopping saiddriving motor immediately; and an oil cycle timer operatively connectedto said driving motor for automatically re-starting said driving motorat the end of a definite predetermined period of time following stoppingof said driving motor by said cut-oil means and for maintaining saiddriving motor operating for only .a predetermined interval at the end ofwhich said driving motor will be stopped if the predetermined flow ofpumped fluid has not been resumed, said off cycle timer comprising anormally inoperative timing motor, a first switch means operativelyconnected to said cut-off means and said timing motor and being operablein response to operation of said cut-ofi means for starting said timingmotor, a second switch means operatively connected to said timing motorand being operable by said timing motor for discontinuing the operationof said timing motor at the end of a predetermined time of operation ofsaid timing motor, a third switch means operatively connected to saidtiming motor .and said driving motor and being operable by said timingmotor between the operations of said first and second switch means forefiecting operation of said driving motor, and means operativelyconnected to said timing motor and being operable after operation ofsaid third switch means and before operation of said second switch meansfor discontinuing the operation of said driving motor under control ofsaid off cycle timer.

11. A system for controlling the operation of a Well pumpinginstallation including a pump, a driving motor for operating said pumpand a pumped fluid delivery conduit, said system comprising normaloperation efiecting means operatively connected to said driving motorand being responsive to predetermined 'flow of pumped fluid through saiddelivery conduit for maintaining said driving 'motor in operation;cut-oif means operatively connected to said driving motor and beingimmediately responsive to discontinuance of said predetermined flow foroverriding said normal operation effecting means and stopping 'saiddriving motor immediately; and off cycle timer operatively connected tosaid driving motor for automatically re-starting said driving motor atthe end of a definite predetermined period of time following stopping ofsaid driving motor by said cut-ofi means and for maintaining saiddriving motor operating for only a predetermined interval at the end ofwhich said driving motor will be stopped if the predetermined flow ofpumped fluid has not been resumed, said ofi cycle timer comprising anormally inoperative timing motor, oft cycle timer starting meansoperatively connected to and being operable in response to operation ofsaid cut-off means for rendering said timing motor operative, testingoperation effecting means operatively connected to said driving motorand said timing motor and being operable in time with said timing motorfor efiecting operation of said driving motor, and means operativelyconnected to and being operable by said timing motor after apredetermined interval of operation thereof for disabling said testingoperation effecting means; and means operatively connected to saiddriving motor and being operable for overriding said normal operationeffecting means and said ofl? cycle timer for limiting. to a preselectedtime period the total period of operation of said driving motor, whetherunder control of said normal operation effecting means alone, or undercontrol of said normal operation efiecting means and said oif cycletimer in sequence.

'12. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumpinginstallation including a pulsating delivery pump, a motor for operatingsaid pump and a pumped fluid delivery conduit, said system comprisingmeans including an electrical relay having a coil and being adapted whensaid coil is energized to eflect operation of said 'motor and when saidcoil is dc-energized to stop said motor; :a switch in circuit with saidrelay coil; means op- :eratively connected to said fluid deliveryconduit and to said switch and being responsive to fluid delivery pulsesdue to pulsating delivery by said pump for closing and opening saidswitch; and electrical capacitor means in circuit with said switch andsaid relay coil for storing electrical charges when said switch isclosed and for dis charging to said relay coil when said switch is openwhereby to maintain said relay coil energized and said 'motor inoperation between fluid delivery pulses when said switch is open.

13. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumpinginstallation including a pulsating delivery pump, a motor for operatingsaid pump and a pumped fluid delivery conduit, said system comprisingmeans including an electrical relay having a coil and being adapted whensaid coil is energized to effect operation of said motor and when saidcoil is de-energized to stop said motor; an AC. electrical power source;a switch in circuit with said relay coil and said power source; meansoperatively con nected to said fluid delivery conduit and to said switchand being responsive. to fluid delivery pulses due to pulsating deliveryby said pump for closing and opening said switch; a rectifier in saidcircuit; and electrical capacitor means connected in said circuitbetween said rectr fier and said relay coil and shunting said relay coilfor storing electrical charges when said switch is closed and fordischarging to said relay coil when said switch is open whereby tomaintain said relay coil energized and said rnotorrin operation betweenfluid delivery pulses when said switch is open.

14. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumpinginstallation including a pulsating delivery pump,

switch and being responsive to fluid delivery pulses due a to pulsatingdelivery by said pump for closing and opening said first switch;electrical capacitor means in circuit with said first switch and saidrelay coil for storing electrical charges when said first switch isclosed and vfor discharging to said relay coil when said first switch isopen whereby to maintain said relay coil energized and said motor inoperation between fluid delivery pulses when said switch is open, saidrelay coil 'being'de-energized after discharging of said capacitor meanstherethrough unless said discharging is followed by closing of saidfirst switch before complete discharging of said capacitor means; an oilcycle timer motor; .a second switch operatively connected to said relaycoil and to said off cycle timer motor and being operable in response todeenergizing of said relay coil for starting said oif cycle timer motor;a third switch operatively connected to said oflf cycle timer motor andbeing operable by said ofi cycle timer motor for continuing said oficycle timer'motor in operation for a predetermined interval after havingbeen started by operation of said second switch; and V a fourth switchoperatively connected to said ofl cycle timer motor and to said relaycoil andbeing operable by said ofi cycle timer motor after apredetermined period of operation thereof for energizing said relay coilfor a test period ind-ependently of said first switch and said capacitormeans and for discontinuing its energizing eifect on said relay coil atthe end of said test period.

15. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumpinginstallation including a pulsating delivery pump, a motor for operatingsaid pump and .a pumped fluid delivery conduit, said system comprisingmeans including an electrical relay having a coil and being adapted whensaid coil is energized to effect operation of said motor and when saidcoil is dc-energized to stop said motor; a switch in circuit with saidrelay coil; means operatively connected to said fluid delivery conduitand to said switch and being responsive to fluid delivery pulses due topulsating delivery by said pump for closing and opening said switch;electrical capacitor means in circuit with said switch and said relaycoil for storing electrical charges when said switch is closed and fordischarging to said relay coil when said switch is open whereby torrlaintain said relay coil energized and said motor in operation betweenfluid delivery pulses when said switch is open, said relay coil beingde-energized after discharging of said capacitor means therethroughunless said discharging is [followed by closing of said switch bet-orecomplete discharging of said capacitor means; and an off cycle timeroperatively connected to said motor and .to said relay coil forautomatically re-starting said motor at the end of a definitepredetermined period of time following d e-energizing of said relay coiland for maintaining said motor operating for a predetermined test periodirrespective of the energized or de-energized condition of said relaycoil during said test period.

16. A system for controlling the operation of a well pumpinginstallation including a pump, a motor for operating said pump and apumped fluid delivery conduit, said system comprising normal operationeffecting means operatively connected to said motor and being responsiveto predetermined flow of pumped fluid through said 'delivery conduit formaintaining said motor in Opera- 17 ately; testing means operativelyconnected to said motor operable automatically at the end of a definitepredetermined rest period following stopping of said motor by saidcut-ofi means, during which rest period said motor and said pump are notoperating, for starting said motor; and timing means included in saidtesting means and being operable at the end of a predetermined intervalof test operation of said motor and pump for rendering said testingmeans inoperative.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS TiptonApr. 13, 1943 DeWit Aug. 10, 1943 Smith Dec. 14, 1948 Thomson May 3,1949 Shanklin Feb. 17, 1953 Long May 3, 1955 McGee Nov. 12, 1957

1. A SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A WELL PUMPING INSTALLATIONINCLUDING A PUMP, A MOTOR FOR OPERATING SAID PUMP AND A PUMPED FLUIDDELIVERY CONDUIT, SAID SYSTEM COMPRISING NORMAL OPERATION EFFECTINGMEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID MOTOR AND BEING RESPONSIVE TOPREDETERMINED FLOW OF PUMPED FLUID THROUGH SAID DELIVERY CONDUIT FORMAINTAINING SAID MOTOR IN OPERATION; CUT-OFF MEANS INCLUDING AN ELEMENTMOVABLY MOUNTED IN SAID FLUID DELIVERY CONDUIT IN CONTACT WITH FLUIDFLOWING THERETHROUGH AND BEING IMMEDIATELY MOVABLE IN RESPONSE TODISCONTINUANCE OF SAID PREDETERMINED FLOW, AND A CUT-OFF DEVICEPOSITIVELY MECHANICALLY CONNECTED TO SAID ELEMENT AND BEING MOVABLESIMULTANEOUSLY THEREWITH IMMEDIATELY IN RESPONSE TO DISCONTINUANCE OFSAID PREDETERMINED FLOW FOR OVERRIDING SAID NORMAL OPERATION EFFECTINGMEANS AND STOPPING SAID MOTOR IMMEDIATELY; AND MEANS CONNECTED TO SAIDMOTOR FOR AUTOMATICALLY RE-STARTING SAID MOTOR AT THE END OF A DEFINITEPREDETERMINED PERIOD OF TIME FOLLOWING STOPPING OF SAID MOTOR BY SAIDCUT-OFF MEANS.